Prince of Power Read Online Free PDF Page B

of all that blood and the midwife’s grim facial expressions, along with quietly whispered words like “tearing” and “breech” had been enough to push Xander from the room.
    All that screaming…
    During every day of his guard duty in this house, the cozy living room with its rust-colored leather furniture and flat-screen television had reminded Xander that his friend and fellow soldier, who had clearly picked out the furnishings, would never be coming back. Theresa’s mate would never be coming back. That child’s father… would never know him.
    The idea of leaving that newborn without any parents was more than Xander could handle. He himself had grown up without a family. He’d had someone to raise him, sure. But to not have someone who truly claimed you as their own? A child deserved love.
    He sighed and rubbed his forehead. Brayden must have stood while he wasn’t looking, because then a hand landed on his shoulder and a voice spoke low in his ear. “She’s going to need to feed, my friend.”
    The temperature in the room dropped. Funny how somebody you barely knew was suddenly your friend when they needed to deliver bad news. “And why are you telling me?” As if he needed to ask.
    Brayden had always seemed like a mild-mannered gentleman. Quiet. Professional. But his stare was hard at that moment. “You recently lost a mate yourself. You know how difficult this is going to be for her. Doubly so because she just went through the pain and exhaustion of bringing life into the world. She needs to heal from that, Alexander.”
    Xander opened and closed his fists. The doctor’s insistence on referring to him by his full name was grating. “Then you understand why I don’t want to be the one to do it, Gregory . Can you not get somebody else? Blood Service?”
    His head fell back in the chair. If only Brayden would leave and he could get some rest. Admittedly, he tired easily these days, even while on guard duty. He ought to feed. He knew he ought to. But he couldn’t. It meant betraying Tam. He wasn’t ready.
    Brayden’s hand tightened its grip on his shoulder. “Think how Theresa must feel. Her mate’s death was only a couple of weeks ago. She gave birth a few hours ago. To a baby she’ll have to raise alone.”
    Something invisible punched Xander in the chest. He was wrong here, and he was being selfish. Still, he wasn’t sure he could handle another female drinking from him. The very thought of it made him want to jump out of his skin.
    The universe or perhaps even God himself decided that Xander’s uncertainty needed a nudge. Once again the bedroom door opened, and out walked the midwife. Her dark clothes were wet and disheveled, her braid askew, but she was carrying the most perfect baby boy Xander had ever laid eyes upon. Okay, its face was a little splotchy, but whatever. Perfect all the same.
    â€œMy assistant is performing a cleansing ritual, and then mom needs to rest. So someone has to hold him for a bit.” The tall female smiled broadly and leaned down to hand the child to Xander as if the matter had already been decided.
    The baby was swaddled in a muslin blanket with its head covered in a blue cap and was sleeping soundly with his lips formed into a tiny pout. Xander couldn’t believe how something that would someday be as large as he was fit into the whole of his two palms side by side.
    â€œSupport his head,” she murmured.
    The miniscule body was surprisingly warm but feather-light. Xander’s giant hands and leather-jacket-clad arms weren’t at all worthy to be holding this soft bundle.
    â€œHe’s been nursed, so he should sleep awhile. If he starts to wake, though, you can take him back to her for more milk,” said the midwife.
    Xander chewed his lip. “Not blood?” How stupid that he didn’t even know what babies ate or drank.
    The corners of her